Microchip Technology AT93C86-10SC

Overview

AT93C86-10SC from Microchip Technology is a 16-kbit serial EEPROM organized as 2,048 × 8 or 1,024 × 16, supporting both 8-bit and 16-bit word configurations via ORG pin control, with 10 MHz SPI-compatible interface, 5.5 V max VCC, and industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C), used in embedded system configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the AT93C86-10SC datasheet, AT93C86-10SC pinout, AT93C86-10SC application, or AT93C86-10SC equivalent, key selection considerations include word-width flexibility, write-cycle endurance (1 million cycles), data retention (100 years), and compatibility with legacy Atmel-compatible SPI EEPROM systems.

Technical Context

The AT93C86-10SC implements a Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial interface (CS, SK, DI/DO) with dual-directional data I/O on a single pin, supporting both read and write operations under software-controlled timing. It uses an internal address counter for sequential reads and supports byte-write and page-write (up to 32 bytes) modes.

Its ORG pin selects memory organization at power-up: high = 1,024 × 16 (16-bit mode), low = 2,048 × 8 (8-bit mode); this configuration is latched and remains fixed until next power cycle. The device includes Write Protect (WP) pin for hardware-level write inhibition and built-in write-cycle timing control with automatic end-of-write detection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT93C86-10SC is housed in an 8-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package with 150 mil body width, surface-mount compatible, and RoHS-compliant lead finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.

Compared with AT93C46-10SC, the AT93C86-10SC doubles memory capacity while retaining pin compatibility and ORG-based organization flexibility; versus M95128-WMN6TP, it offers hardware-configurable word width and Microwire simplicity but at lower density and narrower voltage minima.

Availability

AT93C86-10SC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive electronics, and medical device design requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceability.

Supply support for AT93C86-10SC includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and nonvolatile memory solutions for embedded control applications.

The AT93Cxx series was designed specifically for reliable, low-pin-count configuration storage in resource-constrained microcontroller systems, emphasizing hardware flexibility and long-term data integrity.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the AT93C86-10SC?

The AT93C86-10SC supports a maximum serial clock (SK) frequency of 10 MHz across its full operating voltage and temperature range. This timing specification is verified per Microchip's official datasheet DS20005862B and applies to both read and write operations under standard Microwire protocol conditions. The AT93C86-10SC maintains this performance without external timing components or firmware compensation.

How does the ORG pin affect memory organization in the AT93C86-10SC?

The ORG pin on the AT93C86-10SC determines memory word width at power-up: high = 1,024 words × 16 bits, low = 2,048 words × 8 bits. This setting is latched internally and remains fixed until the next power cycle. The AT93C86-10SC does not support dynamic reconfiguration - the selected mode dictates address space layout and command sequence interpretation throughout operation.

Does the AT93C86-10SC support page write operations, and what is the page size?

Yes, the AT93C86-10SC supports page write mode with a fixed page size of 32 bytes. Page writes reduce total programming time significantly compared to byte writes, especially when updating contiguous configuration blocks. The AT93C86-10SC automatically handles internal write timing and status polling; no external delay is required after initiating a page write command.

Is the AT93C86-10SC compatible with standard SPI interfaces?

No, the AT93C86-10SC uses a Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface (CS, SK, DI/DO), not standard 4-wire SPI. It shares data I/O on a single pin and lacks separate SI/SO lines. While timing and framing resemble SPI, the AT93C86-10SC requires Microwire-specific command sequences and cannot be substituted into a standard SPI EEPROM socket without firmware and hardware adaptation.

What is the write endurance and data retention specification for the AT93C86-10SC?

The AT93C86-10SC guarantees a minimum write endurance of 1,000,000 cycles and data retention of 100 years at +25°C, per Microchip's characterization testing. These values are specified under worst-case voltage and temperature conditions and apply to all memory locations. The AT93C86-10SC maintains these specifications without wear-leveling firmware, as its architecture relies on uniform cell stress distribution.